WESTFIELD – The beautiful Julia “Judy” Marie Fiore, of Armbrook Village in Westfield and formerly of the American Inn in Southwick, passed away at the age of 92, peacefully on the morning of September 28th and she is currently enjoying her long awaited reunion with the love of her life, Richard E. Fiore, Sr.
Julia was born on March 18, 1930 to Julia Donovan Priest and Jackson Priest in Philadelphia. Julia survived her sole brother, Jackson, who she adored immensely, sharing memories of growing up with him until she passed. Their relationship was the foundation for which she formed her exceptional value and love of family. Julia’s value of family only prospered when she met and married Richard, who predeceased her in 2000. They had five children who were the center of their world, Jeanne (Roger) Brown of Southwick, Richard E. Fiore, Jr. of Westfield, Joan (Alan) Schwartz of Westfield, Judy (William) Collins of South Hadley, and Joyce (Jerry) Peregrin of Westfield. Julia wanted nothing more than for her children to be healthy, happy and successful, and spent her younger years raising them. Together Julia and Richard built a life many dream of; loving each other and their children first and foremost, and supporting each other in all of life’s endeavors. They were a team—the epitome of a loving marriage with strong family values which are reflected in their children. Later in life, Julia’s tenacious work ethic and passion for leadership guided her to co-founding Century 21 Fiore & Darling Associates, Inc. in Westfield with her business partner, Dorothy Darling, underpinning her cornerstone role in Western Mass. Julia also served for a number of years as the President of the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors. While Julia was known for her business prowess, intelligence, class, generosity, gregarious personality, and sharp wit — above all, her values of family and friendship defined her.
Along with her children, Julia leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Geoffrey, Melissa, Joseph, Jason, William, Jessica, Amanda, Justina, Jaclyn, Julia, Stephen, and Jackson. Those grandchildren also blessed her with 15 great-grandchildren, who she cherished, and were the apple of her eye. As the ultimate matriarch, Julia instilled the importance of supporting and loving each other through good times and bad, and her children and grandchildren reflect that. She was the most loving and supportive grandmother and lived to spoil them. They will always remember her for her strong values, her feeling of home, her love of holidays, and of course her delicious homemade holiday treats—pumpkin pie, buckeyes and spritz cookies—that she spent hours making with them over the years. Julia enjoyed a lifetime of friendships made during her years as a member of Blandford Country Club, Westfield Bridge Club, a 30-year resident of the American Inn, and a resident at Armbrook Village. She delighted in spending time with the people she loved playing cards, golfing, and breaking bread. Julia and her late husband loved to travel, internationally or just down to Florida, but their home was always where their family was—here in Western Mass.
As a resident with a revolving door of constant visitors, she will be infinitely missed by her children and grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren are incredibly lucky to have grandparents who were raised by the best parents they could have asked for and who will carry on their legacy values of family, friendship, love, generosity, and happiness, which is all Julia wanted from life.
The family would like to thank Armbrook Village for their kindness and compassionate care of their mother.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 9 -11:00 am at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home at 624 College Highway, Southwick, MA. Services will begin in the funeral home at 11:00AM, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial offered at 12noon at Our Lady of the Lake Church, Sheep Pasture Road in Southwick. Burial will follow in Southwick New Town Cemetery, College Highway, Southwick, MA
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Julia M. Fiore may be made to the Community Foundation of Western Mass, 333 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103 or directly to the Fiore Foundation at https://cfwm.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1314 www.forastierefuneralhome.com.
